Special J

Jammu, Feb 24 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to seek a special package in upcoming Union budget and requested for sanction and release of Rs 1,000 crore grants in the form of additional central assistance to the state for power reforms.

Apprising Dr Singh of the overall situation of the state, Mr Azad informed him about the steps being taken to explore hydro potential capabilities of Jammu and Kashmir to generate more power.

He thanked him for the personal interest which he has taken in development of the infrastructure of the state.

Mr Azad sought a five-year extension of income tax exemption for industrial units in the state as well as continuation of 90 per cent transport subsidy.

Raising the issue of excise duty refunds available to industrial units and being taxed under income tax, Mr Azad said this had caused a lot of distress in the state and sought a removal of this anaomoly.

The chief minister also discussed the issue of export-oriented units which are not getting the export incentives available to other units in the country.

Prime Minister assured full and complete support to the chief minister on the impending financial issue.

In the meeting the progress made by the five working groups set up by the prime minister and possibility of holding third round table conference soon was also discussed.

Mr Azad also informed Dr Singh about the actions being taken by the state government against the security forces being found indulged in human rights violations.

Prime Minister briefed the chief minister about the progress on Indo-Pak talks and shared his optimism on the positive response coming from Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf as well as the progress of talks being held at different level between the two governments.

UNI